Released in 2004, Troy is an epic war movie written by David Benioff, produced and directed by Wolfgang Peterson. The plot of the movie is loosely based on Homer’s Iliad. Music was composed initially by Gabriel Yared who worked on it for approximately a year before being replaced by James Horner. Vocals have been provided by Tanja Carovska while American singer and song writer Josh Groban and lyricist Cynthia Weil are responsible for the original composition of song for the movies end credits.
Music composition of Troy is engulfed by dramatic sequences in their real form. Composer Gabriel worked on the score for Troy for over a year but was ousted without as much as a second chance at alteration or improvement after test screenings where the music composition was termed as too “old-fashioned” by critics and screening audience alike. The replacement score was composed by James in less than a month which was later claimed by a commentator Alex Ross to be a plagiarized version of several original pieces.
Classic in form, packed with sprawling brawny cast, elegant costume design and captivating music composition, Troy is in every sense a movie meant to linger on the minds of movie buffs unless elbowed out by a stronger replacement. Like every great classic, the music of the movie has been praised by some and condemned by others. Though the music lacks finesse in several areas, I am of the view that James has been able to do justice with the theme and moods of the movie.
Movies advent with a war scene accompanied by melancholy musical background sets the mood for an epic battle right away. Loss and sorrow are aptly conveyed by the use of accurate musical instruments and wailing vocals. The music is evocative in nature that reminds the audience of the wrath of war and its impending consequences. The use of orchestra for background music in combination with excellent vocal sounds is impressive as it is emotionally rewarding. Epic movies are distinguished from regular flicks by the sheer luster and rudimentary difference in presentation. Troy’s music has a complementing and enhancing effect on the theme of the movie making it the epic it started out to be.
Music has played its role aptly whether it is a war scene or dialogue between war heroes. The ups and downs in orchestra correlate with the scenes in the movie. The music orchestrated while Achilles is training his cousin Patroclus is serene in setting but elevates when a group of horse riders approach the scene. Similar elevations have been observed in various situations where the setting starts out from passive to one of actively hostile one. The battle between Achilles and Boagrius is another great example of the orchestra playing a role of paramount importance in synchronizing the thoughts of the audience with that of the director. Specifically when Achilles arrives late in the scene and passes through his comrades in arms on horseback.
Tranquility has been conveyed through serene music setting when Helen and Paris exchange dialogues at the castle in Troy sensing Menelaus and his troops drawing near to attack. Happier notes have also been played when Hector and Paris celebrate earlier with Menelaus in his castle in Sparta. Celebrations are in full swing and are adequately supported by background music. Elevated adrenaline levels in war situations are supported by aggravated orchestra play such as when Myrmidons are the first ones to land on Trojan beach and are confronted by Hector and his troops. Variety in musical composition can be observed in the following scene when all Hector’s comrades are killed by Achilles’s myrmidons inside the temple of Apollo. An even different musical setting is observed when Briseis is seen praying with priests in Apollo’s temple on the beach. The different settings are justified by apt musical support and provide the audience an idyllic and grand experience.
Music in the movie has exquisitely supported various characters as well. Those noteworthy are of Achilles, Hector, Agamemnon, Paris, Helen, Menelaus, Ajax and many others. Triumphant music accompanies action sequences of Achilles on the beach of Troy and elsewhere while melancholy music surrounds the plight of Paris when he is severely wounded by Menelaus in the battlefield. Agamemnon’s emphatic character is emboldened by use of percussion instruments in the orchestra on right occasions – one such occasion is when he discusses battle plans in Troy with his advisors. Music surrounding Helen’s appearance is beckoning towards impending doom which is true to the legend. James has justified use of music and associated vocals in personifying characters in the movie and giving them a charismatic aura which has a lasting effect on the mind of the audience.
Exotic orchestra instruments, original and exacting vocals, subdued themes precursor of loss and sorrow characteristic of wars, ethnic settings, elite star cast, perfect swordsmanship and action sequences coupled with exquisite costume designs are all important factors that contribute to the success of Troy as an epic war movie. The music is inspiring, refreshing and has immortalizing effect on the audience. The wailing woman vocal effect in the movie has been a committed effort to convey grief and agony pre and post wars. Musical track “Remember me” that accompanies end credits is especially noteworthy for its special effects in the form of wailing woman in the background and immortalizing effect towards the epic battle. In totality, Troy’s music is exceptional in form and justifiable in setting.
Works Cited
- IMDB. Web 2004.
- The New York Times. Web. 04 May 2013.
- Amazon. Web 2004.
